oooohhhh! that's my song. turn it up!
Dave Chappelle’s Block Party is a film that showcases the importance of neo-soul and hip-hop’s ability to unite Black people in harmony. It is a feel-good documentary filled with humor because, of course, Dave Chappelle will get his jokes in, which he does extremely well most of the time.
Neo-soul is inherently and popularly characterized for addressing social issues, especially by artists like Erykah Badu, who performed in the documentary. Arguably, hip hop, in its most commercialized form, has lost those same socially critical elements. So, Chappelle’s decision to have artists like Mos Def (now Yasiin Bey), The Roots, and The Fugees, who embody the sort of hip hop that is more focused on social issues and less shallow material, perform was most likely Chappelle’s way to get back to hip hop’s roots. I think Chappelle made a smart and deliberate effort not to have certain artists in certain sub-genres of hip hop perform. I’m talking about artists in the gangsta rap and trap music categories that tend to glorify violence and other topics that are detrimental to Black communities. There’s nothing wrong with these genres, but I wonder if Chappelle was making a statement about these genres by excluding the artists who occupy these types of rap styles. Is he saying that these genres don’t belong in environments that are meant to be uplifting?
In the film, Chappelle distributed a select few VIP passes to the block party in New York City. The pass included entry to the block party, transportation, and housing, so it was a pleasure to see a celebrity using his wealth to give people a chance to do something fun and exclusive for free. Imagine if all the wealthy Black elites redistributed wealth in some kind of way (I don’t claim that Chappelle's distribution of wealth is radical, but it’s a start).
What if these Black stars started doing more block parties and other events in Black communities? Yes, the same Black communities that support them. Yes, the same Black communities that these stars like Chappelle profit from. These block parties could also transform into events where essential items are given away to those who most need them.
Poor people are the ones who make rich people rich after all, so a VIP pass to a block party is the least he could do, right?
I was a little shocked that Dave Chappelle gave VIP passes to the block party. I don’t know what Black people’s obsession with sharing cultural spaces with White people is. I know not every White person is racist or bigoted, but damn, they can stay home sometimes! Hell, hip hop was partly created as a response to the societal destruction in Black inner-city neighborhoods due to White people’s perpetuation of colonialism. And you still want to invite them in? Would the Three Little Pigs invite the Big Bad Wolf to a damn slumber party? No!
Is Adam Sandler going around giving Black people VIP passes to go to music White people created? No! I wouldn’t go anyone because I know the food won’t be seasoned, but damn it, Black people love letting Massa in and bring shocked when Massa gets mud everywhere.
What music did White people in America create anyway? I know it’s not country music or rock-n-roll. That’s what Beyoncé texted me. She wanted me to write that.